A new conception of burns has been brought about as a result of their treatment by the tannic acid-silver nitrate method.1 This treatment appears to change the lesion into one comparable to a surgical wound. It is this induced change, by the application of tannic acid and silver nitrate, that makes it superior to any other procedure from many different points of view:

The saving of lives that would be lost through the slower method of tanning.

The immediate stopping of the loss of body fluids, thereby preventing the consequent concentration of the blood.

The immediate prevention or very definite minimizing of shock.

The immediate prevention of the absorption of toxic products.

The prevention of infection by the short period of application of moisture and the early drying of the tanned tissues.